Though Taeyeon is still an idol performer by definition, her music has slowly transitioned to sounds I would expect from independent artists. While this has garnered her credibility in many circles, it’s not the type of thing I tend to gravitate to. It’s been over a year since a new Taeyeon release has really sparked my interest, and December’s penchant for slower, more sentimental fare doesn’t exactly bode well for What Do I Call You.
Last time Taeyeon graced us with a December comeback, it was in the form of a holiday-themed album. What Do I Call You is far less tethered to the season, grooving on an acoustic guitar driven beat that offers plenty of space for her vocals. The entire track is laidback, even as trap beats enter to provide percussion. Taeyeon does a nice job imbuing the melody with interesting twists and turns, though the song continually loops back to its titular hook.
I can see how this would be immensely appealing to fans of this style of track — or mega-fans of Taeyeon in general. For me, the whole thing feels a little throwaway. Despite some catchy chants during the finale, What Do I Call You doesn’t build to much. It feels like background music – something you can nod your head to without ever being pulled in deeper. But, I fully acknowledge my bias against mid-tempo tracks like these. Even Taeyeon’s always-incredible voice can’t quite overcome that barrier.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I like it with a small ell. It is very understated and, agree, almost indie. And only 2:44 long? Even at 2:44, the song has exhausted the creative ideas behind it and it is ready to end. That alone should have been a signal, that the song cannot be stretched further even if one wanted to.
(OK, yes, every old song from back when, the Beatles, the Beach Boys, Neil Diamond, all clocked in at under 3:00, but there is enough meat on those that they can be stretched and covered and redone, with long instrumental in concert that there still was something left.) (Think about how long “Good Vibrations” really should be with all the musical ideas they packed into it, so packed they nicknamed it a “pocket symphony”.)
The past few Taeyeon releases, I look forward to something really interesting tucked in there, something with an interesting vocal line, such as “Wine” or “I’m all ears”. For this time around, “Wildfire” is far more interesting than the lead single.
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Off Topic!
Super Junior was supposed to release their 10th full length album “Renaissance” this week, but they pushed it off until next year with the current covid wave.
But BUT they did drop this goody for we Elves anyway. We don’t if this will be the lead single or the pre-release, but it does have full choreo so it could be either. Its like SuJu really wanted to do their own grand theatrical Road to the Kingdom-style performance. This one is all simple theatrics, well done, the simple hand held lights illuminating themselves and the space. Also, monster chorus. Also, full vocal bench. They even squeeze Heechul in there with his baritone. What, deep lines are popular these days, we can do that too!
Wahhh! So excited!
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I am a sucker for big dramatic stuff and If Super Junior were in Mama 2020 with this performance, It would be my favorite performance of the night. It’s like the perfect dramatic song for super junior and I hope this would be the single. (Imagine if 2021 would be the trend for retro and dramatic stuff)
But Off Topic to this Off Topic.
Is it just me or is Super Junior songs hard to rank..
I have Mr. Simple, Sorry Sorry , It’s You , Mamacita , Don’t Don , Sexy free and single , Devil!
All of them are number 1 worthy!
Off Topic to that Off Topic to the Off Topic.
Sexy , Free and Single is a fun way of saying “I’m Lonely”.
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Having 15 years of songs, it is challenging but how to pick, how to “HEY Mamacita nega ay yay yay yay yaahhhhhh”
The lyrics are also very interesting, because they are openly nagging their own fan club to stop nagging them, A good lyric video is here – see the highest comment with extra lyric commentary.
‘https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKEl-R80NBA
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This comment just reminds me of how outdated and wrong my SJ top ten countdown is…
(I’ll get around to fixing it someday… along with a few other early ones)
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The proper choreo video has been released this morning by label SJ (vs the above which is a bootleg from the awards show uploaded on a fan account with mediocre audio). Not only is the audio better, but the lighting effects are also better filmed.
‘https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEo14-UOM80
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Ooh, I hadn’t seen this yet! I’m digging the sound. I would love if the whole album had this sense of theatricality.
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“Sparked” your interest lol. I assume that was on purpose 🙂
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😉
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I think the video really made the song for me. The song itself also suits the EP really nicely. As a standalone, I’d probably judge the same way, but when taken as part of the EP, I quite like it. This is one of her most cohesive, all-around pleasant EPs to date (Purpose was also a very cohesive sound, but not an EP).
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Thought it would be catastrophe but turned out she sings enough to prevent it. Definitely not worth the chart position though but barely a pass I guess
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I’m happy to see Taeyeon forging her own path instead of simply following trends and releasing obvious “hit” material. It’s brave to go this route, she definitely risks losing finicky fans, and not every single is gonna be a smash. This song hits the spot. Not too commercial, not overproduced, and showcases her vocal talents.
Spark was impeccable, but a misstep, as it sounded uncomfortably close to something you’d have heard from Adele or Sia five or ten years ago.
Still, I’ve become a bigger fan of hers in recent years and she’s earned my respect and I always eagerly look forward to her new music.
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i see you always give taeyeon low score for all her song, her song still good and the best no matter some people like it or not
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Um… I literally wrote a “Breaking Down The Song” post for Time Lapse, the most detailed feature on this blog reserved for my absolute favorite songs…
https://thebiaslist.com/2021/02/06/breaking-down-the-k-pop-song-taeyeon-time-lapse/
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it’s because you only like woollim style music the reason why only time lapse get high score and you just bias for woollim artist
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hoping so much taeyeon next song don’t get review again in here
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This site is just woollim biased, even though i love woollim music too but i don’t like how some taeyeon song don’t get appreciated in here
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DUDE, It’s an opinion, Stop whining about how this guy doesn’t like what you like and just accept that Opinions exist. Taeyeon’s music isn’t for him, that’s all. And if you’re gonna get angry that he’s still reviewing her music, then read the description properly. It’s a “REVIEW” Site, It’ll be boring if everything is just the same, right? So please stop complaining.
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If he don’t like taeyeons music, why do still review taeyeon song ? if taeyeon song isn’t good just simple don’t listen and just focus review song from woollim artist
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I-
Just explained why he still reviews her music.
“And if you’re gonna get angry that he’s still reviewing her music, then read the description properly. It’s a “REVIEW” Site, It’ll be boring if everything is just the same, right? So please stop complaining.”
Just read this properly and understand,
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i know people have their opinion but i still don’t like how taeyeon song only get low score in here compare with other artist
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Cool dude, then make your own blog and give her high scores. Why are you so desperate for another guy’s opinions?
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Yes i will give her high score who better than here for her amazing song
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Follow your dreams!
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